Bridging Gaps in Human Resource Development Through Scholar-Practitioners

As the gap between scholarly research and practical application persists, human resource development (HRD) professionals need help effectively integrate theory into practice. Despite efforts to bridge this chasm, barriers such as limited dissemination channels and disconnected research methodologies continue to impede progress. Bridging Gaps in Human Resource Development Through Scholar-Practitioners offers a comprehensive solution to this pressing issue. Focusing on HRD scholars, practitioners, and professionals, this book provides invaluable insights and strategies to overcome the barriers hindering the integration of theory and practice. It meticulously explores collaborative knowledge creation, practical research projects, and innovative dissemination methods to offer actionable steps for aligning research with real-world applications. By addressing the fundamental questions of why the chasm exists, who can bridge it, and how to effectively close it, this book serves as a roadmap for organizations seeking to enhance their HRD practices. By delving into the complexities of organizational change, leadership, and research dissemination, the book equips readers with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the intersection of theory and practice in HRD. With a diverse range of topic coverage, including collaborative research projects and the alignment of research expertise, this book empowers HRD professionals to transform their organizations through evidence-based practices.

Dr. Claretha Hughes is Professor of Human Resource Development in the Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods (CLRM), College of Education and Health Professions, University of Arkansas (UA). Her research interests include valuing people and technology in the workplace, technology development, diversity intelligence, learning technologies, and ethical and legal issues. She served as Director of the COEHP Honors for six years. She has served as a mentor for minority undergraduate research students in the former UA Carver Project Summer program. She has served as an internal program reviewer at UA and an external reviewer of the Department of Workforce Education and Development for Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She has served as a Faculty-in Residence at Clemson University mentoring early career, assistant professors on creating a research agenda, publishing, time management, etc. She has published 96+ articles and chapters in peer-reviewed journals, books, and conferences and has 16 books including a textbook along with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council currently used for certifying manufacturing workers. She serves as a book proposal reviewer for SAGE, Emerald, IGI Global, Palgrave Macmillan, and CyberTech Publishing. She also serves as a grant proposal reviewer and Panelist for the National Science Foundation, grant proposal reviewer for Swiss National Science Foundation, and has served as a grant proposal reviewer for the Minority Business Development Agency in the United States Department of Commerce. She completed a National Science Foundation Research in Formation of Engineers grant project as a Co-PI. She has a sustainable research agenda since receiving tenure more forthcoming. Her research is being used by graduate students for their dissertation topics and in HRD classrooms at all levels. She has provided significant service to the HRD profession through participation AHRD and UCWHRE, Editorial Board of Advances in Developing Human Resources Journal (ADHR) and reviewing articles for other HRD related journals. She is currently serving as Guest Editor for the Career Development International Journal. Her leadership skills have been enhanced through successful completion of the 2012 Harvard Management Development Fellows Program. She has mentored several faculty throughout her career on developing research agendas and all of her mentees have received tenure at their respective institutions. I continue to mentor faculty and received the Outstanding Mentor Award from the University of Arkansas in 2023. She has served in manufacturing leadership roles in food, health care, and textile industries for Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Abbott Laboratories, and Burlington Industries. She has served as VP of Communications, President-Elect, and President of the Valleys of Virginia Chapter of the Association of Talent Development (ATD) - formerly ASTD. She is a national member of ATD and has twice presented at the ATD International Conference and Exposition. Dr. Hughes is a Langevin Certified Master Trainer, Harvard Management Development Fellow, and a Darden School of Business Minority Executive Education Scholar. She has a PhD in Career and Technical Education from Virginia Tech, Master of Textiles in Textile Technology Management from NC State University, B.A. in Chemistry from Clemson University, and MBA in Management from University of Arkansas.

Matthew W. Gosney served as System Chief People Officer for Billings Clinic-Logan Health, a nonprofit health system serving communities throughout Montana and Wyoming. With a workforce of over 9,000, Dr. Gosney oversees all aspects of the Human Resource function including; talent acquisition, total rewards, strategic human resource management and workforce development, organizational development, learning, leadership development, and HR compliance. He is a trusted advisor to and member of the C-suite, partnering in a broad range of Human Resources initiatives designed to champion culture in a way that aligns with Billings Clinic-Logan Health values and mission. He is known for building programs and solutions that focus on knowing, growing, and moving strategically-aligned talent in a way that provides equitable opportunities and moves the organization forward. Prior to joining Billings Clinic-Logan Health, Dr. Gosney served as the Vice-President, Organizational Development & Learning Services for UCHealth in Aurora, CO and as the Director of Organizational Development for Hillcrest Healthcare System in Tulsa, OK. Previously, he held numerous positions with Walmart Stores, Inc. in Bentonville, AR. Dr. Gosney earned a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Arts in Psychology from Brigham Young University (Provo) and the University of Central Oklahoma, respectively, and a Doctorate of Education in Human Resources Development from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He is a noted scholar-practitioner, authoring titles including; Bridging the Scholar-Practitioner Gap in Human Resources Development and The History of Human Resource Development: Understanding the Unexplored Philosophies, Theories, and Methodologies. Dr. Gosney was named Outstanding Doctoral Student by the University of Arkansas and, most recently, one of 25 “HR Healthcare Leaders to Follow” in 2022 by Percpetyx. In his spare time Dr. Gosney enjoys spending time with family, serving in his community, and cooking for family and friends.